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Tottenham 'in negotiations' to sign Croatian starlet Alen Halilovic
TOTTENHAM have stepped up their chase to sign Croatian starlet Alen Halilovic from Dinamo Zagreb.
Reports in Croatia suggest that Dinamo boss Zdravko Mamic flew to Dubrovnik yesterday to meet with Daniel Levy to negotiate a transfer for the 17-year-old attacking midfielder.
According to Sportske Novosti Mamic and Levy have maintained a good relationship since striking a deal for Luka Modric in 2008, and agreed to meet in the same place where agreement was reached for the transfer of the now-Real Madrid star.
It is thought that Mamic may have fallen out with Dinamo manager Krunoslav Jurcic over the sale of the youngster.
But Mevludin Julardzija, who was rumoured to have been lined up to replace Jurcic, refused to be drawn on the speculation, saying: "Please don't ask me about that. I have nothing to say."
Spurs had been linked with a double swoop for the 5ft 7in Halilovic and fellow youngster Tin Jedvaj, with a €20m (£17.1m) fee mooted, but Jedvaj, also 17, has since joined Roma for £3.5m.
Quite what fee Dinamo would demand for Halilovic alone remains to be seen, but the prodigious talent is wanted by clubs across Europe after making his debut for the club as a 16-year-old.
Halilovic also made history when he became the youngest ever player to represent Croatia's national team, making his debut in a friendly against Portugal last month.
Manchester City were also linked with a move for Halilovic late last year, but Tottenham now appear poised to tie up a deal for the player.